Illinois football to lose Citrus Bowl MVP running back to NCAA transfer portal
Illinois running back Josh McCray will jump into the NCAA football transfer portal when it opens on Wednesday, according to a report by On3.com.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound mauling back ran for 609 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Illini last season, after three previous seasons in which he produced a combined 761 yards and 4 TDs.
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He was a standout in the Illini 21-17 Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina, during which he rushed for 114 yards and notched a pair of TDs on just 13 carries and was named MVP.
Illinois football 2024: Every story from Illini run to Citrus Bowl title
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 2: Josh McCray #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks away to run for a touchdown during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium on November 2, 2024 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by)
McCray was head coach Bret Bielema's first recruit after taking the Illinois job in December 2020.
The Illini have Aidan Laughery and Kaden Feagin (season-ending hip surgery) plus Ca'Lil Valentine all returning. Illinois has already added incoming freshman running backs John Forster and Cedric Wyche.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: NCAA transfer portal: Illinois football to lose Citrus Bowl MVP running back
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